atomize

[ at-uh-mahyz ]
/ ˈæt əˌmaɪz /

verb (used with object), at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

to reduce to atoms.
to reduce to fine particles or spray.
to destroy (a target) by bombing, especially with an atomic bomb.

verb (used without object), at·om·ized, at·om·iz·ing.

to split into many sections, groups, factions, etc.; fragmentize: Critics say the group has atomized around several leaders.
Also especially British, at·om·ise.

Origin of atomize

First recorded in 1670–80; atom + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM atomize

at·om·i·za·tion, noun

British Dictionary definitions for atomize

atomize

atomise

/ (ˈætəˌmaɪz) /

verb

to separate or be separated into free atoms
to reduce (a liquid or solid) to fine particles or spray or (of a liquid or solid) to be reduced in this way
(tr) to destroy by weapons, esp nuclear weapons

Derived forms of atomize

atomization or atomisation, noun